What actions ensure we "continue in His kindness" according to Romans 11:22? Context: Kindness & Severity “Take notice, therefore, of the kindness and severity of God: severity to those who fell, but kindness to you, if you continue in His kindness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off.” (Romans 11:22) Paul is addressing Gentile believers who have been “grafted in” (11:17). They are warned not to repeat Israel’s unbelief. God’s kindness is secure, but only for those who keep living in the posture that first brought them into grace. Core Idea: What “Continue” Means The Greek verb (epimenō) pictures staying, remaining, or abiding in a place already occupied. We do not earn kindness; we remain in it—just as a branch remains in the vine (John 15:4). Actions That Keep Us in His Kindness • Live by faith, not unbelief – “They were broken off because of unbelief, but you stand by faith.” (Romans 11:20) – “He has now reconciled you… if indeed you continue in your faith, established and firm.” (Colossians 1:22-23) • Walk in humility, never arrogance – “Do not boast over those branches… Do not be arrogant, but tremble.” (Romans 11:18, 20) – “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6) • Maintain reverent fear of God – “Do not be arrogant, but tremble.” (Romans 11:20) – “Conduct yourselves in reverent fear during your stay as foreigners.” (1 Peter 1:17) • Abide in Christ and His Word – “Remain in Me, and I will remain in you…” (John 15:4) – “If you keep My commandments, you will remain in My love.” (John 15:10) • Obey from love – “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” (John 14:15) – “By this we know that we have come to know Him: if we keep His commandments.” (1 John 2:3) • Persevere in good works prepared by God – “We are God’s workmanship… created in Christ Jesus for good works.” (Ephesians 2:10) – “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9) • Remain repentant and soft-hearted – “Encourage one another daily… so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” (Hebrews 3:13) – “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins.” (1 John 1:9) • Stay in fellowship with God’s people – “Let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together.” (Hebrews 10:24-25) The Fruit of Continuing • Assurance instead of being “cut off” (Romans 11:22) • Ongoing experience of God’s kindness (Psalm 103:17) • Growth in Christ-likeness (2 Peter 3:18) • A harvest of righteousness that blesses others (Philippians 1:11) Summary We “continue in His kindness” by the same grace that saved us—expressed through ongoing faith, humility, obedience, perseverance, repentance, and fellowship. Remaining in these attitudes and actions keeps us securely grafted into the life-giving root and lets God’s kindness flow unhindered into and through us. |
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